-- Orlando Colonial, a team that few predicted would be atop Class AAAAA, District 6 when the season started, seized the district lead with a 21-7 victory over Orlando Oak Ridge (2-4, 1-2) at Lee Leonard Field.

Colonial (2-4, 2-0), which snapped a three-game losing streak, pushed across a pair of second-half touchdowns and stopped two crucial Oak Ridge drives in the second half.

Reserve running backs Pete Intieri and Pat Kelly accounted for Colonial's two offensive touchdowns, but Colonial linebacker Mike Jernigan returned an interception 55 yards for the game-deciding touchdown in the game's final minutes.

TODAY . . .

-- Gainesville (3-2, 1-0), paced by the rushing of Michael Howard and the passing of quarterback Gene Scott, can remain in the thick of the Class AAAA, District 4 race if it can get by visiting Candler Lake Weir (0-5, 0-2). Howard, a junior, enters the game with 465 yards on 87 carries -- one of the top five totals in the Gainesville area. Scott has passed for 445 yards, with John Long (7 catches-124 yards) his leading receiver. Gainesville was tied with Ocala Forest and Gainesville Eastside for the district lead at 1-0 entering Friday night's games.

-- Melbourne Florida Air Academy (2-2), featuring running back Quincy Smith, plays host to Orlando Heritage Prep (0-3). Smith, who has rushed for 307 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries, also has had ample support from running back John Coerse (32-139).